Independence Day

July 4, 1776, our country declared its independence from Great Britain. This is the most important celebration for a patriotic American. Since 1776, we have lost many of our freedoms, but not as fast as we have lost them in our lifetime. We have people in politics and out of politics that would love to enslave us once again.

Foreign countries are so envious of our freedoms, that many people who we call terrorists are determined to destroy the freedoms that we love so much.

So much destruction, death, and persecution in other parts of the world. I wonder how we would respond if that same destruction, death, and persecution would come home to us.

Many of our enemies call the United States the “sleeping giant.” Are we sleeping so soundly that we ignore the invasion coming across the borders? Are we sleeping so soundly that we do not recognize the political tactics of those in our state legislature and in Congress that are designed to cripple our freedoms?

This upcoming Wednesday is OUR day of celebration. Let’s all get out with our neighbors and sincerely celebrate our freedoms. Let’s all stop our hurried lifestyles to thank and appreciate the many members of our military who are endangering their lives so that we can enjoy the freedoms of our lives. Let’s thank God for being merciful even when we take Him out of our schools, our courthouses, our oaths, and replace Him with laws that enforce sin and rebellion against God. I truly believe that this country is living on borrowed time because in the Old Testament, when the Israelites rebelled against God, He punished them severely. Many theologians will tell you that according to the Bible, the United States is not mentioned in the last days in the book of Daniel. Hm-m-m-m-m food for serious thought.

May each reader be thoroughly blessed as we celebrate the sacrifices of many so we can truly be FREE!

July 4th Quotes

“Democracy is the government of the people, by the people, for the people” — Abraham Lincoln

“Liberty is the right to choose. Freedom is the result of the right choice.” — Anonymous

“There is no greater threat to our freedoms than for good people to do nothing.” — Anonymous

“Freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed.” — Martin Luther King, Jr.

“Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, to assure the survival and success of liberty.” — John Fitzgerald Kennedy

“Those who desire to give up freedom in order to gain security will not have, nor do they deserve, either one.” — Benjamin Franklin

“The will of the people is the only legitimate foundation of any government, and to protect its free expression should be our first object.” — Thomas Jefferson

“Free at last; free at last; thank God Almighty we are free at last.” — Martin Luther King, Jr.

Party At The Pond

Readers, let’s mark our calendars and get ready for the Buffalo Community Annual July 4th Party at the pond!

According to Lori Dochterman, the party will begin at 6 p.m. with music and karaoke by Main Event DJ Gregg Maness. The party will begin with a “golf cart parade.” If you want to be in the parade, just call the Buffalo Festivals Committee at 864-426-4457.

I love to eat! Are you a vendor? If so, the Festivals Committee invites you sign up and get your spot.

When it gets dark, the fireworks will begin. A word of warning: I know a lady who was standing under a tree as the fireworks were blowing up. It so scared the birds that they “pooped” on this lady’s head. What a mess!! So as the fireworks are blowing up, beware standing under the trees. Ha ha ha

Jesus On The 4th Of July

We gather ‘round to celebrate on Independence Day pay homage to our country as the children run and play.

With barbecues and picnics and fireworks in the air the flag we own is proudly flown to show how much we care.

The stars and stripes spell freedom she waves upon the breeze while bursts of colors can be seen above the towering trees.

This is all quite wonderful we revel in delight but God above in divine love has brought this day to light.

With just a stroke of liberty a touch of His great hand he gave democracy to us and helped this country stand.

The stripes upon our stately flag were touched by His sweet grace each star of white that shines so bright reflects His loving face.

So as you turn to face the flag for battles that were fought be filled with pride for those who died

And freedoms that were bought.

But don’t forget to thank the One who gives the bright display the reason why we paint the sky

On Independence Day.

— Marilyn Ferguson ©2003

Birthdays

The following people are having birthdays this week: Marquavious Means is turning 15 on Thursday, June 28, as is Jennifer Means and Brandon Treadway; Jim Pittman, Lisa Goins, and Kim Morris on Friday, June 29; Bessie Erwin on Saturday, June 30; Dimia Thompson on Monday, July 2; Allen Raines on Tuesday, July 3, and The United States of America on Wednesday, July 4. I hope 2012 will be the BEST BIRTHDAY YEAR EVER FOR YOU. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Wedding Anniversaries

A fact of life that is always true: If I do not let Anzie, my wife, edit my weekly journal, something will surely go wrong! And shore enuf, it did last week. I announced the wedding anniversary of Broadus and Linda Roark as “Broadus and Linda F.” Mercy! When I mess up I do it right. I ask Broadus and Linda, our friends, to forgive me for this mistake. From now on Anzie WILL BE editing my weekly journal.

Having wedding anniversaries (the ones that I know) this week are friends of ours: Kenny and Roxanne Puckett are celebrating their wedding anniversary on Saturday, June 30; Butch and Donna Sue Greene on Sunday, July 1; our friends Mick and Wanda Fleming will be celebrating their marriage of 31 years on Monday, July 2; and Kenneth and Tonya Proctor on Tuesday, July 3. These are certainly special people and I hope that you will find a few minutes to congratulate them. HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!

Prayer Concerns

Needing our prayers this week are: Janna Jordan, Peggy Goins, Terry and Eddie Howell (Eddie seems to be recuperating well), Thomas Boulware, Don Moore, Lorraine Vinson, Janice Babb, Babe Scott, Irene Abrams, Lee Sanders, Nellie Lawson, Mickey Gowan, Ricky Boulware, Henry Richardson, Pete Brock, Shammaine Kamonera (diagnosed with TB), Bayly Ebner, and Johnny Sinclair. I have a dear Christian brother who lives in India. His father has a very serious disease and must have an operation soon. I ask that we all join together and pray for James Marak’s father.

Thought of the Week

This week we are celebrating July 4th Independence. Last week three of our state’s military men serving in Afghanistan were killed. Three in one week. I humbly ask that while we are enjoying our BBQ, fireworks, swimming, fishing, or whatever, that we pause for a few minutes to ask our Heavenly Father to send His angels to protect our warriors serving overseas. They are risking their lives so that we CAN HAVE the BBQ, fireworks, swimming, and so forth. Please take a few minutes to hold them up to God in prayer. Thank you.

If You Have Good News

When you see, hear, or make news, hear good, funny, and clean jokes, please email your news and jokes to me at cap9296@aol.com, call me at 864-441-2371, mail your news to me at POB 128, Buffalo, or stop me on the street. When you celebrate good things in your life, I would like to share that with the good people of Buffalo. You want to laugh. I want to laugh. So please make me laugh.

Until next week, may God bless you richly.